Westside Christian Fellowship

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Deception of Pride JAMES PART NINE: 12/7/16 4:13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit”;14 whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. 17 Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. Boasting: to talk with excessive pride and self-satisfaction about one’s achievements, possessions, or abilities. Leads to Deception, Leads to Rebellion, Leads to Spiritual Blindness, Leads to Quarrels, Leads to Confusion, Leads to Anxiety, Leads to Depression, Leads to False Worship. Pride Knocks us off track. We make bad decisions; we have the wrong focus – it wastes time, money, and energy – we drift away from God. Ultimately, it leads to damnation: The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” Psalm 14:1 KEY – Don’t plan for; it says not to boast. “GOD, BLESS MY PLANS” – RATHER THAN, “GOD, WHAT IS YOUR PLAN?” THE RIGHT WAY: Lord here’s what we would like to do and what we feel you’re calling us to do but you direct us. THE WRONG WAY: arrogantly assume this is what you’re going to do. Arrogance is self-willed. Being self-willed is not God centered. Leads to Deception: “The pride of your heart has deceived you” (Obadiah 1:3). Those who are humble are led by God – “the humble He teaches His ways.” Leads to Rebellion: “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry” (1 Samuel). Leads to Spiritual Blindness: “Make the heart of this people dull, And their ears heavy, And shut their eyes; Lest they see with their eyes, And hear with their ears, And understand with their heart, And return and be healed” (Isaiah 6:10). The deception is that you “think” God’s on your side because you’re going through the motions. Leads to Quarrels: I don’t like what you said – you “challenged me” – “Where there is strife, there is pride, but wisdom is found in those who take advice” (Proverbs 13:10). A prideful person doesn’t want advice – they are not teachable. This is one reason why I read a lot of books. Leads to Confusion: “The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Proverbs 22:4). Abundant life – not a confusing life. Because it blinds, it also confuses. Leads to Anxiety and Depression: “Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else” (Galatians 6:40). Humble yourself before the LORD and He will lift...

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Truth Will Cost You If the truth isn’t costing you something, you may want to examine your life – “Count the Cost.” Context: Great miracles did in Jesus name so let’s imprison the Apostles. Don’t get discouraged – the world will rarely agree with you and GOD. 1. It will cost you LIKES: We want people to LIKE us. Can you image Jesus posting: “I AM THE WAY…” GALATIANS 1:10 – Do I want the approval of men or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Good Reminder – The truth will offend, but my attitude shouldn’t. Be slow to speak and quick to listen. Friends are upset at me – they “feel” judged. Be gentle – not “in your face:” Be selective – rifle vs. a shotgun. You don’t always have to be right or win the argument – let love and grace be the driving force. I have to withhold 99% of my comments on Facebook. When you are targetted, prayed up, sincere, loving, and humble – God can work. Mormons, those struggling with homosexuality, those who are carnal, those who don’t know God, those who are legalistic. JUST GOT THIS: My name is ___________ from Utah. I read your article about whose truth is true. I am a Mormon and I do agree with you on your points that the book of Mormon contradicts the bible and it is wrong to believe that only salvation lies in belonging to the church. I must admit it – it’s your articles and clips on youtube that do it for me. I feel that the scripture in Romans 10:9 is my saving grace and I am eternally grateful for you pointing that out, especially in your video where you talked about your encounter with the Mormon missionaries. _________________________________________________ ACTS 5:17  – Then the high priest rose up, and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation,18 and laid their hands on the apostles and put them in the common prison. The truth causes Indignation – Very Disgruntled 2. It will cost you an easy life:  Leonard Ravenhill said, “If Jesus had preached the same message that ministers preach today, He would never have been crucified.” TELL US SMOOTH THINGS!! HATERS: The World, Religious People, and Legalistic groups – same spirit. Carnal Christians are being influenced by the same spirit High Priest’s role – The N.T. does not recognize this role: Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” “Current church teaching sees celibacy as a gift that God bestows on those who are called to the priesthood. Among the church’s arguments in defense of celibacy is the example of Jesus,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Do Not Judge A Brother JAMES PART EIGHT: 11/30/16 4:11 Do not speak evil of one another, brethren. He who speaks evil of a brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge.12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another? “Speak evil” is not constructive criticism or a loving admonishment – it’s talking about them negatively – putting them down so you’re raised up. Tarnishing their image and hurting their reputation – or lying. “Doesn’t the Bible say ‘judge not’ – who are you to tell people what they can, and cannot do. John 7:24. Here Jesus encourages His followers to “judge with righteous judgment.” This misrepresentation of “judging” is an attempt to conform scripture to support opinions. We tend to pick and choose certain Scriptures as if they were choices on a menu. But we can’t choose those we like and discard the rest. Judging within the context of Matthew 7:1 refers to the type of judgment that a judge would render in a court of law, such as in Romans 14:4, “Who are you to judge another’s servant?” A judge hears the evidence and pronounces a judgment – it has to do with “sentencing” not “discerning”. Romans 14 is judging, or not judging, based on our own convictions: Holidays, Schooling, Food, Lifestyle, Movie clips, or Images (1956 commentary – not even slides from missionaries), TV in the lobby, Religious Pics., Communion, etc. Err on the side of grace. Know the facts – is it necessary to say something? Remove the plank from your eye first. Call others out when they gossip. SUM IT UP – This passage is about Fault-finding In John 7:24, however, Christians are to judge or “call into question” those things that clearly contradict God’s principles. In 1 Corinthians 2:15, the apostle Paul said that those who are spiritual should judge and discern all things. The famous reformer, John Calvin, commenting on this topic, said, “These words of Christ do not contain an absolute prohibition from judging, but are intended to cure a disease—criticism.” Regarding moral issues that destroy lives and dishonor God, we are to judge (“call into question”) behaviors, choices, and lifestyles that lead people in a dangerous direction, especially if these issues are to become social policy and legally sanctioned. _________________________________ ON A DIFFERENT NOTE: within the church itself we are to judge – Matthew 18. And Titus 3:10– Warn a divisive person two times, but after that, have nothing to do with them. Believers and Unbelievers are handled differently in this area. BUT we can easily become “wrongfully” judgmental…failure to recognize diverse gifts. ______________________ Do Not “Boast” About Tomorrow. Doesn’t say not to talk about or to plan for; it says not to boast.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Power of Purity INTRO: ACTS of the Holy Spirit using pure vessels: Pure in heart and action We have to remove the pollutants. Water from the curb or from your sink? The sink still has minor pollutants. THE POWER – OF THE HOLY SPIRIT MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE – 18 yrs. Of Silence When we put good food in, we want to continue consuming healthy food [we feel better] – it’s the same with spiritual principles. IT’S HARD TO BREAK THE CYCLE. As Purity Increases, so does spiritual power and unity – purity grows the church; faith is increased and demonic strongholds are obliterated. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ACTS 5:12 And through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 Yet none of the rest dared join them, but the people esteemed them highly. 14 And believers were increasingly added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 so that they brought the sick out into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might fall on some of them. 16 Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed. POWER It appears that the apostles had powers beyond normal believers [seasons of outpouring]. They were young in the faith but walked in purity. UNITY “Often, the fact that God’s people are together all with one accord is a greater display of the power of the Holy Spirit than any particular sign or wonder. Our hearts and minds can be harder to move than any mountain!” ~ David Gusik COST “None of the rest dared join them” – count the cost of purity. A proper understanding of dying to self is crucial – the price of being Chosen and called and used is often suffering. From the children of Israel to Moses and Joshua and John the Baptist and Jesus and Stephen the first deacon. CHURCH GROWTH – “Added to the Lord” – Pastor Cho leads the World’s Largest Church with 7 Sunday services! FAITH The shadow of Peter – there’s no power in the shadow or in the garment – but God allowed it; maybe a step of faith: Noah built, Moses delivered, and Joshua entered. Calvin – “The Papists are deceiving by the wrong use they make of this, not only to get support for false miracles, which they say take place at the tombs of martyrs, but to vaunt their relics to us.” FAITH – trust in God’s word and His promises. PRESUMPTION – making assumptions [assuming] and it usually involves rushing vs. waiting. HEALED – the closer you draw to God via purity, the more you know His will. Jesus didn’t pray for everyone. TORMENTED Tormented by unclean spirits – experience severe mental or physical suffering – plagued, haunted, distressed, or agony. The vast majority of those I know who are tormented, are not walking in purity. A brief look at Purity in the Bible A defiled temple A defiled conscience “To the pure,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire Sharing in All Things – ACTS 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. Our possessions are really not “ours.” “Unity” is very common when people first come to the Lord. But sadly, it’s lost. I remember 1999 to 2000 and then seeing all the division. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all [unity = power]. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need. A need is different than a want – abundance should take the place of lack. 36 And Joses, who was also named Barnabas by the apostles (which is translated Son of Encouragement), a Levite of the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it, and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. The RIGHT WAY The WRONG WAY ACTS 5 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. 2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Why do we lie? Fear, Get out of Trouble, Poor self-image, To get our Point Across (e.g., many people feel this way), Selfish. Lied to appear spiritual. Lying to God – “Sin, by definition in the Bible, is not wronging another person. It is assaulting the glory of God, rebelling against God…The world doesn’t understand how serious hell is, because they don’t understand how serious sin is” (John Piper). Jesus is the Truth – We our the voice of Truth – We live by the Truth – The Truth sets us free.     –       THE TRUTH IS A BIG DEAL! David said, “Against you and you only have I sinned” – He wronged others, but rebelled against GOD. “Why has Satan filled your heart?” The Devil doesn’t make us do anything – “A lying spirit is attacking me.” Blame shifting is very common – One simple story illustrates this, “Alexander was trying to save all the pennies that he could in order to buy a baseball bat. But he had a hard struggle. One night when he was saying his prayers, his mother heard him say fervently, ‘O Lord, please help me save my money for a baseball bat. And, God, don’t let the ice cream man come down this street anymore’!” 5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Devil Made Me Do It JAMES PART SEVEN: 11/16/16 CONTEXT FROM LAST WEEK: 4 Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” One aspect of Pride is loving the world – deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements or lifestyle – “Look at what I can do, or what I did.” ___________________________________ James 1:14-15 says that each one of us “is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death (e.g. feed me so I can destroy you).” JAMES 4:7 Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Submit to the work of the Spirit – resist the pull of the world, devil, and the flesh. Obedience isn’t bad – it saved Noah. One simple story illustrates this, “Alexander was trying to save all the pennies that he could in order to buy a baseball bat. But he had a hard struggle. One night when he was saying his prayers, his mother heard him say fervently, ‘O Lord, please help me save my money for a baseball bat. And, God, don’t let the ice cream man come down this street anymore’!” Temptation takes from us, while at the same time, it looks so appealing. Commentator Klyne Snodgrass states it well, “Mention of the ‘schemes’ of the devil reminds us of the trickery by which evil and temptation present themselves in our lives. Evil rarely looks evil until it accomplishes its goal; it gains entrance by appearing attractive, desirable, and perfectly legitimate. It is a baited and camouflaged trap.” Only by comparing thoughts and actions to God’s word can we generate the motivation to RESIST. Temptation is also an opportunity to do what is right by turning from it. I Corinthians 10:13 states, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” The door of temptation swings both ways—you can enter or exit. If we choose to enter, once inside, we may not see the exit sign so clearly again. SUBMIT AND RESIST – like in dieting, when a bad food is removed a healthy choice must be added. THE DEVIL’S PLAYBOOK – According to 1 John 2:16, the devil entices through the lust of the flesh (unbridled passions),

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Prayer God Answers ACTS 4:15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For, indeed, that a notable miracle has been done through them is evident to all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us severely threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” Trying to silence the voice of truth is nothing new. A famous quote keeps coming to mind, “In times of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Be careful where you’re getting your information from – the media does influence. WE ARE NOT RACISTS – incident in Lancaster WE ARE NOT WARMONGERS WE DON’T HATE REFUGEES WE DON’T HATE THOSE IN THE LGBT COMMUNITY HARD WORK IS VERY GOOD FOR AMERICA – free is not “free”. Choose hope not fear. Those who do not forgive or release bitterness, anger, and hurt, never experience freedom, happiness, or genuine HOPE. It all starts here: Ephesians 4:31-32 encourages us to “let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” 18 So they called them and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way of punishing them, because of the people, since they all glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man was over forty years old on whom this miracle of healing had been performed. One example of when to disobey the law of the land. A Prayer for Boldness – 4:23 And being let go, they went to their own companions and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 So when they heard that, they raised their voice to God with one accord and said: “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea, and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David have said: ‘Why did the nations rage, And the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.’ ~ Psalm 2 Always reinforce who God is – You Are God. 27 “For truly against Your holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose determined before to be done. 29 Now, Lord, look on their threats, and grant to Your servants that with all boldness they may speak Your word, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done through the name of Your holy Servant Jesus.” Context is persecution.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes The Cure For Strife And Conflict JAMES PART SIX: 11/09/16 INTRO: Written to Christians outside of Palestine – our default nature has to be rebuked often. The three ways to fail in life: Blame and Complain and not be Grateful. Why is it so important to address this? We’ve become very good at avoiding conviction – if a person dares to challenge us, we make excuses. 1. Be open and teachable – recognize that their is crack in the armor. PRIDE puffs up – like a Balloon JAMES 4 Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. When the Flesh Controls Your Life, Strife and Conflict are inevitable. All types of wars – pride sparks the flame: critical spirit, fault-finder, defensive, self-focus and superficial. My “desires” say – feed me so I can destroy you. 2…Yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss, that you may spend it on your pleasures. A] A diminished prayer life – the desire for pleasure diminishes the work of the Spirit – praise and worship are stifled, spiritual growth is halted, and joy and peace are nowhere to be found. Sin is a heavy weight of bondage that affects every area of life. B] A self-focused prayer life David Wilkerson’s article http://sermons.worldchallenge.org/en/node/33654 – Paul asked the Galatian church, “You ran well. Who hindered you from obeying the truth? This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (Galatians 5:7-9.) He is asking, “What’s in your life that keeps you from going on in the full blessing of Christ? You were doing so well at one time. I know you to be a praying people, and you labor diligently to do good works, but something is wrong. I don’t see you growing anymore. Instead, you’ve gone back to relying on your flesh. I don’t sense the sweet aroma of Christ you once had…Something’s hindering you. “What could have persuaded you to settle in this condition?” Whatever it is, I tell you it’s not of God…Something is clouding you, something you may be holding on to… What leaven has crept in?” – “A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump” (Galatians 5:9). Lust diminishes the work of the Spirit – praise and worship are stifled, spiritual growth is halted, and joy and peace are nowhere to be found. Sin is a heavy weight of bondage that affects every area of life. Prayer is stifled when lust controls us. Cheating on God – the covenant of commitment and love has been broken. 2.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes A Coward Has No Power OPENING PRAYER – Tuesday election – sorrow can produce action [fast]. Benjamin Franklin – “If a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? Monday’s prayer Focus – a new president by the time we meet again. ________________________________________________ INTRO: A Coward Has No [spiritual] Power – the connection has been lost. The church is looking for better methods – God is looking for better men. Peter and John Arrested ACTS 4 Now as they spoke to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees came upon them, 2 being greatly disturbed that they taught the people and preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them, and put them in custody until the next day, for it was already evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed; and the number of the men came to be about five thousand. Sadducees – no resurrection. Church growth model – “heard the word”: unadulterated, untarnished – REPENT AND BELIEVE was the main message – preached in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. This begs the question to churches, “Does the world love the way we ‘do church’?” Do they appreciate that we never challenge, or calls things into question? Do they like the fact that we never make people feel uncomfortable or offended? If so, you may want to reconsider Jesus’ words that true disciples will be hated by the world. Obviously, churches should be welcoming, loving, accepting, friendly, warm, hospitable places of worship. But please don’t misunderstand: they should also challenge, contend, exhort, reprove, and admonish from the pulpit—this, the world will hate. “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Deut. 31:11 when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord your God in the place which He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men and women and little ones, and the stranger who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn to fear the Lord your God and carefully observe all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land which you cross the Jordan to possess.” 1. * A coward avoids the difficult truths – someone filled with the Spirit must declare them. Addressing the Sanhedrin – 5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” Annas and Caiaphas were both High Priests – Annas was the first. They were hoping for a different answer – When God moves,

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Taming The Untamable Tongue JAMES PART FIVE: 11/02/16 TAMING – SUBDUE SO IT’S EASIER TO CONTROL CHAPTER 3 My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment. 2 For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. 4 Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. 5 Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell. Teachers speak into the lives of others offering advice, guidance, and direction. Elevated position – ulterior motives and false teachers. Controlling the tongue is a mark of maturity – perfect often means complete. Those in leadership positions can do a lot of harm – “life and death.” Words of Leaders direct the entire church… 1ST step: admit that there is a problem – gossip, lying, embellishing, slander, angry and mean words. RESPOND – DON’T REACT ERR ON THE SIDE OF GRACE HEAR BOTH SIDES REMEMBER THAT SATAN LOVES ANGER AND DIVISION FACEBOOK, TEXTING, AND EMAILS REFLECT OUR TONGUE THE MIND CONTROLS THE TONGUE Words cannot be erased, BUT they can be quenched vs. fueled – “See how great a forest a little fire kindles!” 7 For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so.11 Does a spring send forth fresh water and bitter from the same opening? 12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh. The Battle Within – rather than excusing our actions, James says that we should not allow this contradiction. I’m German. I’m Irish. I’m Cuban. I’m Italian. I’m just passionate. I’m just opinionated. You don’t understand me. James Exposes where evil words come from – Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envy and self-seeking in your hearts, do not boast and lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes How to be Refreshed and Renewed INTRO: Not the only way, but it’s the most important way ACTS 3:11 Now as the lame man who was healed held on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch which is called Solomon’s, greatly amazed. 12 So when Peter saw it, he responded to the people: “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why look so intently at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. Solomon’s porch – the early church met there (Acts 5:12). And Christ taught there at the Feast of the Dedication (John 10:23) – gentiles were no doubt present. A Friend of Sinners does not mean that all sinners like you. A Friend of Sinners does not mean that Jesus approved of their lifestyle. He was called “friend of sinners” in a derogatory way. Sinners “delivered Him up and denied Him in the presence of Pilate.” THE STATEMENT, “He didn’t make sinners feel bad” is nonsense. BUT He gave them hope – showed them how to be saved [refreshed and renewed] THE MIRACLE opened the door for PETER to speak – what door is God opening? NOT THEIR POWER or their “godliness” – obedience is not the saving mechanism, but it repositions my heart. 14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and asked for a murderer to be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from the dead, of which we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man strong, whom you see and know. Yes, the faith which comes through Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. The murder didn’t convict them The Holy One – the One set apart – Holy represents what type of spirit it is. The Just One – the only One to take our place The Prince of Life – abundant life here and eternal life later 17 “Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers. 18 But those things which God foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled. IGNORANT – Lack of knowledge or information. 19 Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing* may come from the presence of the Lord, BAM – no more excuses *ANAPSYXIS – refreshing, stimulating, energized… Cain and Abel to Noah – Repent Kings, Prophets and Priests – Repent New Testament to Revelation – Repent It Condemns before it releases It Sentences me before it pardons me It Breaks me before it restores me Most physcologist recognize the guilt is a major cause of depression. How to be Refreshed and Renewed – Repentance and Refocus Jeremiah 31:25 “I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet No Sermon Notes

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet No Sermon Notes

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don’t forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet No Sermon Notes

If you want to stay up on the latest audio messages from Westside Christian Fellowship, don't forget to subscribe to this podcast on iTunes. Tweet Complete Sermon Notes Not By ‘My’ Might or ‘My’ Power   INTRO:  NOT BY ‘MY’ MIGHT OR POWER CONTEXT  -  Zechariah 4:6 “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel…”   WHAT IS YOUR MOUNTAIN? Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord ___________________________________________ A Lame Man Healed - ACTS 3:1 Now Peter and John went up together to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour. His Power through Unity - Unity must be fought for - there is a price to pay - the enemy steals our joy   My new motto - "let’s not let the little things divide us."   2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple which is called Beautiful, to ask alms from those who entered the temple; The Power of Compassion - Why don’t we have compassion?   Because we are not seeking the heart of God - "What will it cost me for God to break my heart? - It will cost you absolutely everything." - Gerhard DuToit Self focus must die / Unforgiveness must be crushed / Comfort can no longer ... I remember when the church wept - sex trade, abortion, ISIS - persecution…   WARNING LABEL - Be Careful Church -   “Shane, you disrupted my morning!”   BUT “SHANE” - what can I do?    -   NOT BY ‘YOUR’ MIGHT… ___________________________________________   The man laid by the Beautiful gate for all of his life - it took two Spirit-filled believers   There is NO POWER in dead religion - ___________________________________________ 3:3 who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for alms. 4 And fixing his eyes on him, with John, Peter said, “Look at us.” 5 So he gave them his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk.” The Power of Intercession There is no other name that Saves, Heals, or Sets Free Rise up and walk through your challenge   7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 So he, leaping up, stood and walked and entered the temple with them—walking, leaping, and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 Then they knew that it was he who sat begging alms at the Beautiful Gate of the temple; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. If a person praises God for physical healing, how much more should we praise Him for spiritual healing?